AGP Executive Report

Screwworm Alert: The USDA confirmed three more New World screwworm cases in Texas and clarified that a dog case is the first in New Mexico, raising alarms for ranchers and pet owners as federal and state teams ramp up quarantines, surveillance, and sterile-fly efforts. Child Safety in Court: New Mexico’s Supreme Court rejected an ACLU emergency bid to stop Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s policy placing drug-exposed newborns into protective custody, saying the directive has already moved more than 130 infants into foster care or other placements. Utility Oversight: New Mexico regulators found PNM and private equity Blackstone violated state law in a $400 million stock sale tied to the acquisition, recommending PRC approval and penalties. Wildlife Fraud: Federal prosecutors charged three men in an alleged New Mexico elk-tag scheme involving out-of-state hunters, fraudulent documents, and unpaid IRS reporting. Local Business: Golf Envy opened Albuquerque’s first indoor, tech-powered golf club, bringing simulator practice to the city. Toxic Exposure: Deming reported another suspected toxic incident at a Popeyes, adding to a recent string of cases affecting emergency responders across southern New Mexico.

Child Well-Being Update: New Mexico is showing “slow but steady” gains in child poverty and health, with the Kids Count Data Book citing a drop in the child poverty rate to 22%—the lowest in at least 16 years—though education indicators still lag post-COVID and the state ranks 49th overall. Higher-Ed Leadership Shakeup: New Mexico Highlands University’s Board of Regents dismissed President Neil Woolf without cause about a month after he was placed on paid administrative leave, as a lawsuit he filed alleges improper pressure tied to a campus construction contract. Water & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared a Rio Grande settlement that requires New Mexico to cut groundwater depletions near the river over the next decade, a move aimed at protecting downstream flows as parts of southern New Mexico face dry stretches again. Local Politics & Community: The U.S. House passed the Albuquerque Indian School Act to return 10 acres to a tribal trust for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, advancing to a Senate committee. Business & Industry: Allstream Energy Partners was named official media partner for the 2nd Annual Permian Power Conference in Midland, highlighting growing power demand tied to AI and data centers. Health Tech: Ceribell announced a new peer-reviewed publication linking its seizure-burden AI tool to better neurological outcomes at discharge, using data that includes UNM.

Local Politics: Independent gubernatorial candidate Ken Miyagishima sued New Mexico’s Secretary of State over signature rules he says unfairly burden independents trying to reach the November ballot. Courts & Public Safety: Albuquerque defense attorney Brian Pori faces a federal child pornography charge after an FBI probe tied to alleged drug smuggling; the NM Supreme Court suspended his law license. Wildlife Management: A New Mexico appeals court tossed elk nuisance claims by Catron County ranchers, rejecting arguments that state elk policies amount to a property taking. Health Care: An opinion column argues New Mexico’s medical malpractice debate misses the real strain—delayed transfers, staffing shortages, and overwhelmed emergency departments. Science & Space: The Very Large Array’s successor, an ngVLA prototype antenna in New Mexico, reached “first light,” moving from construction to testing. Community & Culture: UNM and Albuquerque are pushing to host NCAA Tournament preliminary-round games at the Pit. Arts & Tech: Santa Fe’s Currents New Media festival returns June 12-21 with immersive art and technology across multiple sites.

Meta Lawsuit & Business Climate: A New Mexico attorney general lawsuit against Meta is drawing sharp criticism from a local columnist who argues it sends a chilling message to future investors, even as the state frames the case around consumer protection. Water, Wildfire & AI Data Centers: Another opinion piece says New Mexico is “running out of excuses,” pointing to low snowpack and drought while questioning support for high-water, high-energy projects like AI data centers. Screwworm Threat to Livestock: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a Texas calf, prompting Navajo Nation officials to review their emergency plan and ranchers to brace for possible spread that could hit cattle markets. Prep Sports Eligibility Vote: The NMAA board advanced a “one-time” transfer eligibility bylaw that member schools will vote on by June 19, with concerns it could fuel a college-style athlete pipeline. Food Aid Funding Fight: A federal judge temporarily blocked USDA from tying billions in funding to Trump-era gender and immigration conditions, keeping nutrition programs on track while the case proceeds. Local Courts: An Albuquerque man faces hate-crime charges after alleged window-smashing at a synagogue and Jewish Community Center, with prosecutors seeking to seize firearms.

High School Sports: The New Mexico Activities Association is rushing a major prep-athletics eligibility change to a June 19 referendum, voting 7-3 to create a “one-time” transfer rule without penalty if schools can show it wasn’t driven by undue influence or recruitment—though small-school leaders warn it could turn athletics into a college-style revolving door. Livestock Health: The New World screwworm is back in the U.S., confirmed in two Texas calves, and Navajo Nation agriculture officials say they’re reviewing their long-standing emergency plan as ranchers brace for possible spread. Water & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a Rio Grande water settlement that Texas says secures its downstream share, while federal managers also move toward a shorter Colorado River plan if states can’t agree. Local Justice: A Grant County jury awarded Nichelle Nichols’ estate $13 million in a wrongful-death case against Gila Regional Medical Center, but New Mexico law caps the hospital’s portion at $400,000. Borderland: Hikers at Mount Cristo Rey are weighing the impact of plans to extend the border wall at the sacred site. Community & Culture: Riley Green added more fall 2026 dates, including an Albuquerque stop at First Financial Credit Union Amphitheater.

Gila Cattle Fight: A federal appeals court tossed New Mexico Cattle Growers’ lawsuit over aerial shooting of feral cattle in the Gila, saying the Forest Service has mostly eradicated the herd and is now focused on capturing any stragglers instead. Flood-Linked Water Aid: After the 2022 Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire and later heavy-metal contamination findings, USDA is offering up to $1 million to help Mora and San Miguel counties pay for drinking-water repairs and treatment. SNAP Legal Block: A judge halted the Trump administration from enforcing new SNAP funding conditions, siding with 19 Democratic-led states that said the requirements could disrupt help for low-income families. Border Wall Clash: Rights groups are challenging plans to extend the border wall near sacred Mount Cristo Rey, arguing it would turn a religious site into a symbol of division. Mental Health Data Gap: UNM researchers found self-harm history is often missing from diagnosis codes in veterans’ records—only about a quarter of documented cases show up—raising concerns for planning and care. Local Fire Update: A second fire at a South Valley recycling center damaged nearby businesses and led to condemnations, with cause still under investigation. Native Politics: Native Organizers Alliance Action Fund hailed Deb Haaland’s Democratic primary win as a historic milestone for Native representation. Sports & Community: Duke City BMX hosted the USA BMX Spring Nationals, drawing riders from across the country to Albuquerque.

New Mexico Politics: New Mexico’s primary election wrapped up this week with unofficial results showing Deb Haaland winning the Democratic governor nomination and Gregg Hull taking the GOP nod, as voters weighed in at about 24.6% turnout statewide and more than 37,000 independents cast ballots. Local Community: Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández helped push the El Valle Community Center and Library in Villanueva toward renovations, announcing $562,500 in federal Community Project Funding to match local and partner dollars. Tribal & Federal Land: Senators Brian Schatz and Lisa Murkowski held a legislative hearing on bills tied to tribal land transfers and settlements, including the Albuquerque Indian School Act. Public Lands Watch: U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez introduced the Public Lands Integrity Act aimed at blocking “last-minute, backdoor” public-land selloffs tucked into unrelated budget bills. Water: With Colorado River talks stalled, federal officials say a 10-year operating framework could be imposed if states can’t agree, while Colorado and Nevada negotiators push back on parts of the plan. Health & Safety: New Mexico credit unions warned members as fraud cases rise, and a federal court dismissed a challenge to aerial shooting of feral cattle in the Gila as the Forest Service says it won’t resume lethal removals.

Statewide Health & Agriculture: New Mexico officials are urging vigilance after USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in a calf in South Texas, stressing there’s no detection in NM yet but asking travelers and livestock owners to watch for suspicious wounds and report them. Legal/Consumer Protection: New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed suit against prediction market firm Kalshi, arguing its sports-betting app violates state gambling laws; the case follows similar action by New Mexico tribes in federal court. Local Economy & Energy: Presbyterian Healthcare System announced layoffs of 150 administrative workers and plans to discontinue most Medicare Advantage plans in 2027, citing financial strain. Youth & Community: New Mexico is putting $4.5 million into outdoor youth programs after demand surged, with applications opening July 1. Sports: New Mexico United forward Greg Hurst says a “pretty real talk” helped the team after a rough loss, ahead of a rematch with Phoenix Rising. Transportation Planning: Deming-area officials are set to host a public meeting on June 10 for Phase IA of the N.M. 11 corridor study, focusing on safety, traffic flow and growth.

New Mexico Politics: Gov. nominee Deb Haaland secured the Democratic nod for governor, celebrating her historic rise while setting up a November showdown with Republican Gregg Hull, who argues New Mexico needs a “regime shift” on crime, education, and poverty. AG Lawsuit: New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez sued Kalshi, alleging the platform evaded state gaming laws and undermined regulated gambling compacts. Public Health & Agriculture: USDA confirmed a flesh-eating New World screwworm case in a Texas calf, prompting renewed concern for livestock and calls for federal action from New Mexico officials. Courts & Land Use: A federal appeals court dismissed a New Mexico Cattle Growers’ challenge to aerial shooting of feral cattle in the Gila, saying the issue is now moot. Local Economy/Infrastructure: Taos announced seasonal air service returns with JSX flights to Austin/Dallas and Contour service to Denver starting late June. State Budget: New Mexico expects about $850 million more from oil revenue tied to the Iran conflict, with money flowing into trust funds including early childhood, Medicaid, and behavioral health.

New Mexico Politics: Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination for governor, setting up a November matchup with Republican Gregg Hull, who clinched his party’s nod after a primary that also left some House races headed for recounts. Local Elections: Chaves County voters chose Michael Taylor as sheriff in a decisive win, while HD 66 GOP results came in within 1% and will likely trigger an automated recount. Water & Growth: Colfax County commissioners are weighing how much water data centers and energy projects could use long-term, as the Colorado River faces another likely “crash” scenario without faster conservation. Public Safety & Health: Los Alamos National Laboratory employee Melissa Casias was found dead in Carson National Forest nearly a year after she vanished, with reports citing a gunshot wound to the skull. Community & Culture: Albuquerque’s guaranteed basic income pilot tied to the city’s cannabis tax is drawing attention, while a proposed North Valley mosque appeal was deferred amid safety concerns and heated public comment. Environment & Agriculture: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm detection in Texas, raising alarms for livestock and cross-border spread.

NM Politics & Elections: New Mexico voters picked party nominees for governor in a semi-open primary, with Democrats turning to former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Republicans to former Rio Rancho mayor Gregg Hull, setting up a November rematch. Local Housing & Development: The State Land Office is seeking developers for four Albuquerque parcels zoned for mixed-use, aiming to add affordable housing and spur neighborhood revitalization. Water & Public Health: Federal USDA funding up to $1 million is headed to Mora and San Miguel counties for repairs and treatment after 2022 Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire contamination. Accountability & Epstein Probe: New Mexico’s truth commission approved its first slate of subpoenas, targeting state and federal entities tied to Epstein-linked activity. Crime & Courts: A New Mexico man pleaded guilty in federal court after decades of using a stolen identity to evade murder-related charges. Energy & Power: PNM is seeking approval for major solar and storage additions, while the state also weighs broader power expansion plans. Wildlife & Agriculture: USDA says the New World screwworm has been found near the border, prompting renewed defense efforts. Public Safety: A missing Los Alamos National Laboratory employee’s remains were found in Carson National Forest, reopening questions about the case.

New Mexico Politics: Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination for governor Tuesday night, taking about 72% of the vote and setting up a November matchup with Republican Gregg Hull, who won the GOP primary in a three-way race. Campaign Focus: Haaland’s pitch centers on lowering costs for healthcare and education, opposing Trump-era Medicaid cuts, and overhauling child welfare, while Hull frames the race as a choice on public safety and the economy. Election Context: New Mexico’s primary also featured a first-ever semi-open system, with Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver calling turnout a success, including a surge of independent voters. Local Governance: In Grants, the City Council heard updates on falling burglaries and graffiti tied to directed patrols, plus parks reopening and public safety spending. Public Safety: New Mexico State Police announced June sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols statewide. National/World: AP reports Iran suspended U.S.-Iran negotiations amid renewed limited fire, as the ceasefire remains fragile.

Primary Election Day in New Mexico: Voters headed to the polls Tuesday for a packed slate, with Bernalillo County officials expecting turnout to break its 2016 record and statewide participation already climbing early in the day. Gubernatorial race focus: People at polling sites said federal politics and public safety are driving choices, with the governor’s primary seen as the biggest decision on the ballot. Rio Grande water: The U.S. Supreme Court gave final approval to the Rio Grande compact settlement among Texas, New Mexico and Colorado, clearing the way for downstream delivery obligations. Border agriculture threat: USDA says the New World screwworm fly has been detected near the Texas-Mexico border and the agency is ready to respond if it enters the U.S. LANL case update: The body of missing Los Alamos lab worker Melissa Casias was found in Carson National Forest, with authorities investigating after a handgun was recovered nearby. Energy and business: A record $4B federal oil and gas lease sale brought major receipts in New Mexico and Texas, while New Mexico also continues pushing broadband planning grants and new tech/data-center activity.

New Mexico Primary Day: Voters head to the polls Tuesday in New Mexico’s semi-open primary, including the governor race between Deb Haaland and Albuquerque DA Sam Bregman, with independents able to request either party’s ballot. Campaign Cash: Fundraising reports show nearly $20 million has poured into the governor bids, led by Haaland’s $12.77 million haul. Public Safety & Access: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez announced the arrest of a Pecos River landowner accused of threatening fishermen with a firearm, a case tied to long-running public access fights. City Hall: Albuquerque City Council passed a revised minimum wage plan raising pay from $12 to $15 over three years, with tipped-worker and inflation-adjustment changes. Los Alamos Mystery: Remains of missing LANL worker Melissa Casias were identified in Carson National Forest; investigators found a handgun nearby and are still determining cause and manner of death.

New Mexico Politics: With Tuesday’s June 2 primary underway, Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver says more than 181,900 eligible voters have already cast ballots, including about 18,500 who are not registered with a qualified party—partly reflecting New Mexico’s first-in-the-nation semi-open primary rules. Gubernatorial Race: Democratic hopeful Sam Bregman tells Source NM he’s “optimistic” he can win the nomination despite trailing Deb Haaland in fundraising and polling, pointing to the new “decline to state” participation rules. Public Lands Campaign: A Washington-based PAC backed by major oil donors has bought TV ads supporting Juan de Jesus Sanchez III in the Democratic primary for commissioner of public lands, according to filings cited by an opponent’s campaign. LANL Missing Worker: New Mexico State Police identified remains found in the Carson National Forest as Melissa Casias, a Los Alamos National Laboratory employee missing since June 2025; a handgun was found nearby and investigators say the case remains under review. AI in Schools: A New Mexico education committee recommends creating a statewide AI oversight body for schools, citing privacy, cheating, and overreliance concerns. Local Business: The Village People YMCA opened on the West Side near Rio Rancho and Corrales, aiming to serve a growing community with a nonprofit, community-focused model.

New Mexico Politics: Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland faces Bernalillo County DA Sam Bregman in the Democratic gubernatorial primary Tuesday, with both candidates pitching different approaches to crime and youth justice. Public Safety & Courts: New Mexico State Police identified the remains found in Carson National Forest as Melissa Casias, a Los Alamos National Laboratory staffer missing since June 26, 2025; officials say a handgun was found near the remains, and the investigation remains active. Albuquerque Local Government: The city is moving ahead with a Bliss Building demolition permit after Lindy’s Diner’s partial collapse, with road closures expected to continue. Education & Tech: State lawmakers are pushing for a statewide plan to govern AI use in schools, citing concerns about privacy, cheating, and overreliance. Economy & Wages: Albuquerque City Councilors propose raising the minimum wage to $15 in 2027 with annual cost-of-living adjustments starting in 2028. Energy & Industry: A Reuters report says SpaceX and the Pentagon are negotiating higher-priced Starshield terminal subscriptions after SpaceX argued the military was paying too little for drone connectivity.